As the scent of gingerbread wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the anticipation of the holiday season. This year, I’m excited to share my Festive Gingerbread Cream Tart Tree Cake—a whimsical twist on the beloved cream tart number cake. With layers of spiced gingerbread cookies complemented by rich cream cheese frosting, this Christmas dessert transforms into a stunning centerpiece that delights everyone at the table. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but its easy preparation ensures that even busy home-chefs can whip it up without a hitch. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead of time, allowing you more moments to enjoy with loved ones. Ready to dive into a holiday treat that brings joy and sweetness to your celebrations? Let’s get started!
Why is this cake a holiday must-have?
Festive Flavor: The delightful gingerbread cookies infused with warm spices create an extraordinary taste that embodies holiday cheer.
Easy to Assemble: With simple steps and no fancy equipment required, even novice bakers can craft this stunning dessert without stress.
Visual Showstopper: Adorned with colorful meringue kisses and sprinkles, this cake will be the centerpiece of your holiday table, drawing oohs and aahs from guests.
Make-Ahead Marvel: The convenience of preparing it a day in advance means you can focus on celebrating with loved ones—just like the cozy vibes of my Potato Bacon Food or a special Easter Poke Cake.
Customizable Delight: Swap out gingerbread for other flavors, or play with color schemes to create a version that’s uniquely yours! This recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite, bringing joy and laughter to your gatherings.
Cream Tart Tree Cake Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cookies
• Gingerbread Cookie Dough – This forms the sturdy base; for a shortcut, you can use a pre-made gingerbread mix.
• Brown Sugar – Adds richness and depth; can be replaced with white sugar for a lighter flavor.
• Molasses – Essential for that signature gingerbread flavor; substitutes like honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Provides a rich and creamy consistency; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting; you can use less for a less sweet version or add vanilla for extra flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
For the Decoration
• Meringue Kisses – These add a delightful crunch; store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
• Chocolate M&M’s and Sixlets – Brighten up your cake with colorful candies; feel free to swap for other festive chocolates.
• Sprinkles – Add visual appeal with seasonal colors; choose fun shapes for a whimsical touch.
This Cream Tart Tree Cake combines all these delightful elements, ensuring your holiday dessert not only tastes divine but also looks festive and inviting!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cream Tart Tree Cake
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Start by dividing your gingerbread cookie dough into three equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to make rolling easier. The dough should be firm yet pliable when you’re ready to roll it out, ensuring the perfect structure for your Cream Tart Tree Cake.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to a thickness of about 1/8″ to 1/4″. Use your tree-shaped templates to cut out the cookie shapes, ensuring that you have three different sizes for a lovely layered effect. Place the cut-out shapes on a lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake Cookies
Bake the gingerbread cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for the edges to become golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for achieving the best texture for your Cream Tart Tree Cake.
Step 4: Make Frosting
In a mixing bowl, whip your room temperature cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. Prepare your piping bags for easy application onto the cooled gingerbread cookies when assembling the Cream Tart Tree Cake.
Step 5: Layer and Pipe
Begin building your Cream Tart Tree Cake on a festive serving board. Start with the largest gingerbread cookie as the base and pipe a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat this process with the next two sizes of cookies, ensuring that each layer is well-separated by the frosting to create an enticing height and rich flavor.
Step 6: Decorate
Now it’s time to let your creativity shine! Begin decorating your Cream Tart Tree Cake by placing the largest decorative elements like additional gingerbread cookies around the tiers. Gradually add colorful meringue kisses, chocolate M&M’s, and festive sprinkles, clustering colors together for a visually stunning effect that captures the holiday spirit.
What to Serve with Festive Gingerbread Cream Tart Tree Cake
As you gather around with loved ones, set the stage for a delightful meal that complements the rich spiced flavors of this stunning holiday dessert.
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Spiced Cinnamon Apple Cider: This warm, comforting drink enhances the gingerbread notes and evokes cozy winter vibes, making it the perfect pairing.
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Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in balsamic glaze, these greens add an earthy element, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture and mild flavor balance the spiced richness of the cake, ensuring a well-rounded holiday feast.
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Winter Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of oranges and pomegranate seeds adds brightness and cuts through the richness, complementing the dessert beautifully.
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Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This indulgent treat offers a festive twist, with chocolate and mint harmonizing perfectly with the flavors in the Cream Tart Tree Cake.
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Gingerbread Latte: Carrying the spice theme forward, this creamy coffee drink is a wonderful way to extend the warmth and aroma of the season to your gathering.
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Classic Eggnog: Rich and creamy, eggnog delivers that nostalgic holiday flavor, rounding out the meal while mirroring the cake’s festive spirit.
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Sugar Cookie Platter: Serve an assortment of these delightful cookies for a playful dessert spread, inviting guests to enjoy a variety of treats alongside the cake.
How to Store and Freeze Cream Tart Tree Cake
Fridge: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This maintains the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and the gingerbread cookies.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, wrap individual layers of gingerbread cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: For the best results, thaw the cookies overnight in the fridge before reassembling your Cream Tart Tree Cake. This prevents any moisture loss and keeps the cookies delightfully tasty.
Reheating: If desired, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy dessert experience, but be cautious not to melt the frosting.
Make Ahead Options
This Cream Tart Tree Cake is a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the gingerbread cookies up to 3 days in advance; just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent any moisture from softening their delightful crunch. The cream cheese frosting can also be made up to 24 hours ahead—simply refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to assemble, layer the cookies with frosting as directed, then decorate to your heart’s content. Prepping these components in advance allows you to enjoy your time with loved ones, all while serving a stunning centerpiece that’s just as delicious!
Cream Tart Tree Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe to suit your taste buds and holiday spirit!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a delicious, creamy frosting.
Upgrade the flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract for that cozy sweetness, ensuring no one misses the dairy! -
Spiced Cookie Adventure: Infuse your gingerbread cookie dough with chai spices, or even pumpkin pie spice, for a surprising twist that enhances the holiday essence.
Each bite will be filled with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for cozy gatherings. -
Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a cake everyone can enjoy without feeling left out.
Mix in a bit of xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of wheat flour for that perfect bite! -
Chocolatey Delight: Incorporate cocoa powder into your gingerbread dough for a rich chocolate-gingerbread hybrid.
It’s a mouthwatering fusion that will leave your guests wanting more! -
Add Some Heat: Drizzle a bit of chili-infused syrup over the frosting for a subtly spicy kick that pairs brilliantly with the sweetness.
This unexpected addition will intrigue adventurous eaters and elevate your dessert to a new level. -
Festive Layers: Alternate layers of gingerbread cookies with layers of spiced apple or pumpkin cheesecake for an indulgent flavor experience.
This twist not only adds variety but also embraces the classic flavors of the season, making it an unforgettable centerpiece. -
Nutty Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers or on top of the frosting, providing a delightful crunch against the creamy backdrop.
Nuts like pecans or walnuts will add a lovely contrast and pair beautifully with the gingerbread. -
Candy Cane Crush: Crush peppermint candies or candy canes and adorn the top layer for a refreshing holiday twist.
The minty flavor will be a surprising delight, bringing a classic holiday flavor to your gathering.
Each of these variations invites you to personalize your Cream Tart Tree Cake, making it a true reflection of your festive spirit! Don’t forget to check out my Honeybun Carrot Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake Dump for more dessert inspiration!
Expert Tips for Cream Tart Tree Cake
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Prep Ahead: Make your gingerbread cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for more flavors. This will help the cookies hold their shape better.
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Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps in your frosting—this ensures a smooth and creamy finish for your Cream Tart Tree Cake.
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Cookie Consistency: Achieve uniform cookie thickness when rolling out the dough to ensure even baking; this prevents any burnt edges and keeps your cake aesthetically pleasing.
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Layering Technique: When assembling, use a piping bag for frosting application to create neat, even layers. This not only looks professional but also helps distribute the frosting perfectly.
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Chill Before Cutting: Allow the completed Cream Tart Tree Cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving; this helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
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Decorate with Joy: Don’t hesitate to let your imagination run wild! Use different candies and sprinkles to make your cake uniquely festive, enhancing the holiday cheer at your gatherings.
Cream Tart Tree Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best gingerbread cookie dough?
Absolutely! When choosing gingerbread cookie dough, look for a dough that includes both brown sugar and molasses for the best flavor. If you’re considering pre-made options, check for authenticity in ingredients; sometimes a quality store-bought mix can save you time without skimping on taste.
What’s the best way to store the Cream Tart Tree Cake?
Very! Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and the gingerbread cookies crisp. If you have leftovers, cover them well with plastic wrap and avoid exposing them to air to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the Cream Tart Tree Cake?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap individual layers of the gingerbread cookies tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reassembling your cake, to keep that delightful flavor intact!
What should I do if my frosting seems too thick?
Don’t worry, it happens! If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream and whip it again until smoother. Make sure to do this gradually; you can easily thin it out, but if it becomes too runny, it can alter the consistency for layering.
Is this dessert safe for people with allergies?
Absolutely! The Cream Tart Tree Cake contains dairy and wheat, so it’s not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivities. However, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use gluten-free gingerbread mix to make it more inclusive. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid allergens!
Can I make the dough in advance?
Very much yes! You can prepare the gingerbread cookie dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes the rolling process easier. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out in the fridge.
Deliciously Unique Cream Tart Tree Cake for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Dough: Divide the gingerbread cookie dough into three equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat oven to 350°F, roll out each portion to 1/8" to 1/4", cut out tree shapes using templates, and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden brown; cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: Whip cream cheese until creamy, add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix until light and fluffy.
- Layer and Pipe: Build the cake using the largest cookie as a base, piping frosting between layers as you build up.
- Decorate: Decorate the cake with gingerbread cookies, meringue kisses, colorful candies, and sprinkles.